Mast for sailing vessels

ABSTRACT

A mast for sailing vessels and method for assembling a mast for sailing vessels. The mast has multiple mast sections connectable to one another. At least two mast sections are embodied or formed as base sections which have identical outer contours and are assemblable in a non-rotatable manner. The mast is suitable for sailing ships with a length of at least 9 m and which can be produced in a cost-effective manner.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of EuropeanPatent Application No. 14 150 229.4, filed Jan. 6, 2014, the disclosureof which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a mast for sailing vessels with multiple mastsections that are connected to one another.

2. Discussion of Background Information

A mast of this type is known from German Application No. DE 195 35 000A1. The individual mast sections are therein connected to one another byjoints so that the mast can be folded together and further transported.However, there are significant concerns as to whether the mast canwithstand the necessary stresses, in particular in the case of largersailing vessels such as sailing ships in the class of 9 m to 15 m.

Another two-part mast for sailboats is known from German GebrauchsmusterDE 1 996 852 U1. One mast part therein has a cone, and the other mastpart has a mating cone. The two mast parts are connected in that thecone is inserted into the mating cone. The mast can thus be overallconically designed.

SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a mast suitable for sailingships with a length of at least 9 m and which can be produced in acost-effective manner.

Accordingly, a mast of the type named at the outset includes at leasttwo mast sections embodied or formed as base sections which compriseidentical outer contours and are assembled in a non-rotatable manner.

The mast is thus formed using multiple identically-constructed mastsections. Preferably, all mast sections, possibly with the exception ofone section at the upper end of the mast, are even provided with thesame outer contour. A cost-effective production can thus be achieved,since relatively short mast sections, the length of which is a fewmeters, can be produced in an identical manner. These mast sections canbe formed using carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP). In this case,correspondingly short tools are required. Nevertheless, larger mastswith a length of, e.g., 12 m or more, can also be achieved. Since thebase sections not only comprise the same outer contour, but are alsoassembled in a non-rotatable manner, the outer contour can be specifiedin a predetermined manner. The base sections, which can also be referredto as “panels,” can preferably be assembled only in a predeterminedangular alignment with one another so that there are no breaks in theouter contour of the mast. In this manner, a standardized modular rigsystem can be obtained.

Preferably, adjacent base sections are connected to one another by oneinsertion sleeve each. This further keeps the production costs for themast low. The base sections and the insertion sleeve used to connect twobase sections can be manufactured separately from one another. Thesleeve can also be referred to as an “adapter.”

Here, it is preferred that the insertion sleeve is captively retained ina base section. The insertion sleeve can be, e.g., bonded into place inthe base section.

Preferably, the base section comprises an insertion region in which asleeve receptacle is arranged. The sleeve receptacle, which can also bereferred to as an “insert,” then accommodates the insertion sleeve of anadjacent base section when the two base sections are assembled. Thesleeve receptacle can also be produced independently of the basesection, which further keeps the production costs low. The sleevereceptacle can, for example, be bonded into place in the base section orbe attached in a different manner. The sleeve receptacle can be embodiedor formed with an inner contour which corresponds to the outer contourof the insertion sleeve so that two adjacent base sections are connectedto one another virtually without play.

Preferably, each base section has openings at predetermined, identicalpositions. These openings can also be directly provided in theproduction of the base sections so that the production costs can furtherbe kept low. Should additional openings subsequently be necessary for aparticular base section, these can, of course, be produced. Apart fromthis, however, it is harmless if a base section is arranged in aposition of the mast where an opening would not actually be necessary.

Here, it is preferred that at least one first opening is arranged on afront side and/or a rear side of the base section and at least onesecond opening is arranged on a lateral flank of the base section. Thedirectional indications refer to the eventual purpose of use when themast is installed on a ship. The second opening or the second openingscan then be used as shroud outlets through which the shrouds can beguided in order to laterally stabilize the mast. The first openings onthe front side or the rear side can be used to feed through halyards orstays, for example, for sails.

Preferably, the base section in the region of the openings comprises areinforced wall thickness. First, a weakening of the wall basicallyresults from an opening. This weakness can be compensated again by areinforcement of the wall thickness.

Preferably, the base section has an inner profile with two walls which,at least in sub-regions, run parallel to one another. An embodiment ofthis type allows rotation prevention between adjacent base sections tobe achieved with sufficient stability in a simple manner. The insertionsleeve can then have, at least approximately, a rectangular crosssection, the parallel sides of which can be supported on thesub-regions. The base section or the panel can therefore be embodied orformed such that the largest portions are concentrated (in the installedstate) in the corners, which can be referred to as the “backbones,” inthe front and/or in the rear for the geometric moment of inertia in thedirection of travel and transverse to the direction of travel. On theone hand, this has the advantage that holes can be provided in front andlaterally without exceedingly weakening the panels. On the other hand,there results the advantage that the inner contour can be embodied orformed such that a non-rotatable arrangement of insertion sleeves andsleeve receptacle can be introduced in the interior. The front backbonesin particular are therefore advantageously provided to form a basis forthe sub-regions.

Preferably, each wall has two sub-regions which are arranged in theregion of the front side thereof and in the region of the rear sidethereof. A very effective support against a rotation of the basesections in relation to one another thus results.

Preferably, an outward curvature is provided between at least two of thesub-regions of a wall. This allows the mast to be given anaerodynamically advantageous profile. This curvature can be designedsuch that the mast has a cross section in the form of an ellipse.

Preferably, the base section comprises a wall reinforcement of at leastone sub-region of at least one wall. This wall reinforcement is thenlocated in the position where the insertion sleeve acts on the basesection. There, increased mechanical stability is advantageous. Thereinforcement can be formed by a laminate designed to handle theexpected loads with the fiber alignments suitable therefor.

Here, it is preferred that the wall reinforcement comprises two materiallayers which form between them an intermediate space. This intermediatespace can be filled with a filler material. However, this intermediatespace can also be used to form a channel here which, for example, can beused for a cable.

Preferably, at least one material layer comprises a fiber-reinforcedplastic, the reinforcing fibers of which run parallel to thelongitudinal extension of the base section. Here, particularly a carbonfiber-reinforced plastic can be used, the reinforcing fibers of whichform a 0° layer. By means of this 0° layer (relative to the longitudinalextension of the base section), the rigidity and the geometric moment ofinertia of the base section can be adjusted for large ships.

Preferably, one spreader bolt each is inserted through every basesection. Spreaders can later be mounted on the spreader bolt. Thespreader bolt can advantageously be arranged in the region of aninsertion sleeve, which results in increased stability.

It is also advantageous that the base section of the spreader bolt has areinforcement. This reinforcement can, for example, be formed by theinsertion sleeve. The spreader bolts and the reinforcements thus form atype of “node,” by which the mast is divided into short effective columnlengths. Furthermore, the stability failure around the transversal axisis additionally stiffened, whereby the sizing of the profile of the basesection can be lighter than would be the case with a continuous,uniformly embodied profile. The inclusion of the reinforcements from theinsertion connections in the rigidity consideration and/or the design ofthe mast against stability failure thus constitutes another feature ofthe modular rig concept.

Preferably, the spreader bolt forms an attachment section in theinterior of the base section, around which attachment section an elementof the rigging is guided. For example, elements of the rigging, such asshrouds or stays and also blocks for halyards, can be provided withloops through which the spreader bolt is inserted. Rivet-fastenedfittings, with which the problem of corrosion often occurs, thus becomeunnecessary.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a mast for sailing vessels.The mast includes multiple mast sections connectable to one another. Atleast two mast sections are formed as base sections having identicalouter contours and are assemblable in a non-rotatable manner.

According to embodiments, adjacent base sections can be connectable toone another by one insertion sleeve. The insertion sleeve may becaptively retained in a base section. The base section can include aninsertion region in which a sleeve receptacle is arranged.

In accordance with embodiments of the invention, each base section mayinclude openings at predetermined, identical positions. The openings caninclude at least one first opening arranged on at least one of a frontside and a rear side of the base section; and at least one secondopening arranged on at least one side wall of the base section. The basesection may include a reinforced wall thickness in the region of theopenings.

According to embodiments, the base section can have an inner profilewith two walls which, at least in sub-regions, run parallel to oneanother. Each wall may include two sub-regions which are arranged in aregion of a front side of the base section and in a region of a rearside of the base section. An outward curvature can be provided betweenat least two of the sub-regions of a wall. The base section may includea wall reinforcement on at least one sub-region of at least one wall.The wall reinforcement can have two material layers which form betweenthem an intermediate space. At least one material layer can include afiber-reinforced plastic, the reinforcing fibers of which may runparallel to the longitudinal extension of the base section.

In other embodiments, one spreader bolt can be inserted through eachbase section. The spreader bolt can form an attachment section in aninterior of the base section, around which an element of the rigging isguidable. The base section can include a reinforcement in a region ofthe spreader bolt.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a method of assembling amast for sailing vessels. The method includes non-rotatably connecting aplurality of mast sections to one another. At least two of the pluralityof mast sections are formed as base sections having identical outercontours.

In accordance with still yet other embodiments of the present invention,the base sections may include sleeve receptacles and the method canfurther include inserting an insertion sleeve into the sleevereceptacles of adjacent base sections. One end of the insertion sleevecan be captively retained in the sleeve receptacle of one of theadjacent base sections.

Other exemplary embodiments and advantages of the present invention maybe ascertained by reviewing the present disclosure and the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is further described in the detailed descriptionwhich follows, in reference to the noted plurality of drawings by way ofnon-limiting examples of exemplary embodiments of the present invention,in which like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout theseveral views of the drawings, and wherein:

FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C show different embodiments of masts with mastsections according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic sectional view for the purpose of illustratinga mast profile;

FIG. 3 shows two base sections during assembly; and

FIG. 4 shows a portion from a mast in a region of a transition betweentwo base sections.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for purposes ofillustrative discussion of the embodiments of the present invention onlyand are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be themost useful and readily understood description of the principles andconceptual aspects of the present invention. In this regard, no attemptis made to show structural details of the present invention in moredetail than is necessary for the fundamental understanding of thepresent invention, the description taken with the drawings makingapparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of thepresent invention may be embodied in practice.

FIG. 1A shows a mast 1 for a sailing ship with a length of at least 9 m.The illustrated mast includes four base sections 2-5. Each base section2-5 is formed from carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) and has alength of approximately 3 m. There thus results a total height of themast of approximately 12 m.

FIG. 1B shows a mast 1′ which is formed from three base sections 2-4 andan additional section 6, which replaces base section 5 of the mast fromFIG. 1A. Section 6 can taper towards the tip and can be approximately 1m to 1.4 m longer than base section 5.

FIG. 1C shows another mast 1″ which is also formed from four basesections 2-5 and a top part 7, which can also taper towards the top andcan have a length of up to 3 m. This top part 7 can be mounted atopuppermost base section 5.

All base sections 2-5 have a same outer contour, e.g., as depicted inFIG. 2, which can be a cross-section through a base part 3.

The base sections 2-5 are assembled in a non-rotatable manner. For thispurpose, the base sections 2-4 each have an insertion sleeve 8 which isbonded in place at the upper end in the respectively lower base sectionor is connected to the base section in another manner. The insertionsleeve 8 is inserted far enough into the base section. In many cases, ithas proven sufficient to insert the insertion sleeve 8 into the basesection to a length of approximately 300 mm. The insertion sleeve canhave a length of 800 mm, for example, so that approximately 500 mm isavailable for insertion into the adjacent base section.

The connection between insertion sleeve 8 and base section 2 can also beaccomplished in that an insert is first attached in the base section,for example by being bonded or molded in place or by similar measures,and in that insertion sleeve 8 is then connected to the insert.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic section through base section 3 with theinserted insertion sleeve 8 of the base section 2.

Base section 3 comprises a sleeve receptacle 9 which is embodied orformed as an insert and is attached in base section 3. Sleeve receptacle9 is, for example, bonded to base section 3 or connected in anothermanner.

Insertion sleeve 8 and sleeve receptacle 9 are coordinated with oneanother such that they interact with virtually no play. In other words,insertion sleeve 8 is embodied or formed in an “externally fit” mannerand sleeve receptacle 9 is embodied or formed in an “internally fit”manner.

Base section 3 has an egg shape or elliptical shape in cross section,however, this description of the shape is not to be understood in themathematically precise sense. With this cross-section, there results anaerodynamically advantageous profile.

Base section 3 has a front side 10 and a rear side 11. The front side 10is curved in an arch-like manner. In the rear side 11, a groove 12 isprovided into which the luff of a sail can be inserted.

Between front side 10 and rear side 11, two side walls 13, 14 areprovided which have an arch-shaped form. Only in the region of the rearside 11 do side walls 13, 14 externally transition into sections 15, 16that are parallel to one another.

Base section 3 comprises an inner contour which deviates from the outercontour described above.

For example, each side wall 13, 14 has two sub-regions 17, 18 and 19,20, respectively, wherein sub-regions 17, 19 extend parallel to oneanother and sub-regions 18, 20 extend parallel to one another.Sub-regions 17, 19 are arranged in the region of front side 10, andsub-regions 18, 20 are arranged in the region of rear side 11.Sub-regions 17, 18 preferably lie on one plane and sub-regions 19, 20also preferably lie on one plane.

Thus, there results an excellent rotation prevention for sleevereceptacle 9 in section 3. The intermediate space between sleevereceptacle 9 and sub-regions 17-20, which is illustrated here for thesake of clarity, is in actuality not present or at least filled by anadhesive or the like.

Left side wall 13 comprises an outward curvature 21 between thesub-regions 17, 18. This curvature 21 can be provided internally with areinforcement 22. Right side wall 14 also has a curvature 23 between thesub-regions 19, 20, which curvature can be provided with a reinforcement24.

At sub-region 17, left side wall 13 has a wall reinforcement that isformed in that two material layers 25, 26 are provided which formbetween them an intermediate space 27. In a similar manner, sub-region19 has a wall reinforcement with two material layers 28, 29 whichbetween them form an intermediate space 30. Intermediate spaces 27, 30can form a channel, for example for accommodating electric cables.However, they can also be filed with a filler or laminate. The fillercan, for example, be used to adjust the moment of inertia in thedirection of travel and transverse to the direction of travel.

At sub-regions 18, 20, side walls 13, 14 are simply provided with agreater wall thickness.

The profile of base section 3 described in this case is formed fromcarbon fiber-reinforced plastic. For production, it is possible toproceed by placing the CFRP pre-pregs into a mold, closing the mold andapplying pressure to the interior 31 of base section 3. This applicationof pressure can be performed by a pressure fluid, that is, a liquid or agas. Further, a tube, which then adheres to the interior of the basesection 3, can also be used to apply pressure.

The individual reinforcements then result from a number, chosen to beappropriately large, of layers of CFRP pre-pregs. It is also possible tospecifically affect the rigidity of the base sections, and therefore, ofthe mast using the orientation of the reinforcing fibers of the CFRPpre-pregs.

By using CFRP (carbon fiber-reinforced plastic), the mast can beembodied or formed with a relatively low mass.

As can be seen in FIG. 4, base section 2 comprises a first opening 31 onits front side 10. Analogous openings can also be provided on the rearside (not visible in FIG. 4), which openings are then located, however,outside of groove 12. Opening 31 is present in the same position on allbase sections 2-5.

An additional opening can be present if, for example, a forestay is tobe attached. In this case, an additional forestay bolt, around which arunner to the forestay is guided, can be set in addition to the spreaderbolt.

Furthermore, base section 2 has a second opening 32 on its side wall 13.Right side wall 14 has an analogous opening. Second opening 32 is alsopresent on all base sections 2.

In a manner not illustrated in greater detail, reinforcements can beprovided around openings 31, 32, for example by additional layers ofCFRP pre-pregs. Openings 31, 32 can already be provided in production inthat corresponding regions in the mold are left free of CFRP pre-pregs.Of course, in place of carbon fibers as reinforcing fibers, other fiberscan also be used as reinforcing fibers, for example, glass fibers orplastic fibers.

Above first opening 31, a spreader bolt 33 is guided through basesection 2. Base section 2 has a reinforcement in the region of spreaderbolt 33. This reinforcement can also be formed by insertion sleeve 8bonded in place in base section 2.

A halyard 34 is illustrated schematically which is guided through firstopening 31 and attached to spreader bolt 33 by a moveable pulley in basesection 2.

In a similar manner, a shroud 35 is guided through second opening 32 andis likewise attached to spreader bolt 33.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, a spreader 36 is mounted on spreader bolt 33and attached there. Spreader 36 can be embodied or formed with differentsweep angles.

In an alternative embodiment, the spreader 36 can be pivotably embodiedor formed on either side of spreader bolt 33.

A mast which has been assembled with the aid of the described basesections 2 has a number of advantages: On the one hand, it is embodiedor formed as a modular rigging system in which individual parts can beexchanged without difficulty. This keeps the production costs and theinventory-stocking costs low. Since each base section 2 only has alimited length, the tool costs can be kept low. As a result of thebolts, for example, spreader bolts 33, inserted into base section 2 andonto which loops can be hung, a reliable attachment option is attainedfor the elements of the rigging, without corrosion-susceptible fittingsbeing necessary. At the same time, the bolts can be used to attach thebase sections to one another and thus satisfy a dual use. In addition,the local reinforcements which are, for example, formed from a bondedsleeve receptacle or insert and an insertion sleeve or adapter form,with a filled region, nodes similar to “nodes” in the bamboo plant. Themast is divided into short effective column lengths by these nodes. Thestability failure around the transversal axis is also additionallyreinforced. The sizing of the profile can thus be lighter. The inclusionof the reinforcements from the insertion connections in the rigidityconsideration and/or the design of the mast against stability failureconstitutes another feature of the modular rig concept.

The standardized modular construction also offers the advantage that thebase sections can be adapted to different requirements withoutmodification of the outer geometry. Normally, different geometricmoments of inertia are also required for different ship sizes. As aresult of the design of a base section 2 as a hollow profile, anadaptation of this type can be easily achieved by an adaptation of thewall thickness, that is, expressed in simple terms, by the selection ofthe number of layers of pre-pregs in combination with the design of the“backbones” 27, 30 as hollow chambers or as solid chambers filled with0° layers. There thus results an extremely high level of design freedomfor the embodiment of individual base sections 2 or panels, or for thecombination of individual panels.

It is noted that the foregoing examples have been provided merely forthe purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limitingof the present invention. While the present invention has been describedwith reference to an exemplary embodiment, it is understood that thewords which have been used herein are words of description andillustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made,within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and asamended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the presentinvention in its aspects. Although the present invention has beendescribed herein with reference to particular means, materials andembodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to theparticulars disclosed herein; rather, the present invention extends toall functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as arewithin the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed:
 1. A mast for sailing vessels comprising: multiple mastsections connectable to one another, wherein at least two mast sectionsare formed as base sections having identical outer contours andassemblable in a non-rotatable manner.
 2. The mast according to claim 1,wherein adjacent base sections are connectable to one another by oneinsertion sleeve.
 3. The mast according to claim 2, wherein theinsertion sleeve is captively retained in a base section.
 4. The mastaccording to claim 3, wherein the base section comprises an insertionregion in which a sleeve receptacle is arranged.
 5. The mast accordingto claim 1, wherein each base section comprises openings atpredetermined, identical positions.
 6. The mast according to claim 5,wherein the openings comprise: at least one first opening arranged on atleast one of a front side and a rear side of the base section; and atleast one second opening arranged on at least one side wall of the basesection.
 7. The mast according to claim 5, wherein the base sectioncomprises a reinforced wall thickness in the region of the openings. 8.The mast according to claim 1, wherein the base section has an innerprofile with two walls which, at least in sub-regions, run parallel toone another.
 9. The mast according to claim 8, wherein each wallcomprises two sub-regions which are arranged in a region of a front sideof the base section and in a region of a rear side of the base section.10. The mast according to claim 8, wherein an outward curvature isprovided between at least two of the sub-regions of a wall.
 11. The mastaccording to claim 8, wherein the base section comprises a wallreinforcement on at least one sub-region of at least one wall.
 12. Themast according to claim 11, wherein the wall reinforcement has twomaterial layers which form between them an intermediate space.
 13. Themast according to claim 12, wherein at least one material layercomprises a fiber-reinforced plastic, the reinforcing fibers of whichrun parallel to the longitudinal extension of the base section.
 14. Themast according to claim 1, wherein one spreader bolt is inserted througheach base section.
 15. The mast according to claim 14, wherein thespreader bolt forms an attachment section in an interior of the basesection, around which an element of the rigging is guidable.
 16. Themast according to claim 14, wherein the base section comprises areinforcement in a region of the spreader bolt.
 17. A method ofassembling a mast for sailing vessels, the method comprising:non-rotatably connecting a plurality of mast sections to one another,wherein at least two of the plurality of mast sections are formed asbase sections having identical outer contours.
 18. The method accordingto claim 17, wherein the base sections comprise sleeve receptacles andthe method further includes inserting an insertion sleeve into thesleeve receptacles of adjacent base sections.
 19. The method accordingto claim 18, wherein one end of the insertion sleeve is captivelyretained in the sleeve receptacle of one of the adjacent base sections.